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Among the leaders of the early church, Barnabas is not as well-known as the likes of Peter or Paul. However, Barnabas vouched for Paul before the other apostles, traveled with him as an evangelizer, and then stepped aside when circumstances and Divine Providence demanded. Explore three fascinating passages from the Acts of the Apostles with Jerome Kodell, OSB, one of the most insightful Catholic voices on Scripture today.

Author: Jerome Kodell, OSB

40 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 1/22/2018

King David ranks among the most intriguing persons in the Hebrew Bible. The Second Book of Samuel tells the story of David's kingship-his public successes and his private foibles. The narrator's rehearsal of this story, as questioning as it is vivid, glimpses the secrets of David's heart.

In this commentary, Craig E. Morrison focuses on the aesthetics of the "art of the telling": how does the narrator succeed in breathing life into his portrait of David? How does he draw the reader into his story? This commentary is intended to accompany the reader's encounter with this ancient masterpiece so that one might cheer with David as he dances before the ark of God and weep with him as he grieves the death of his rebel son Absalom.

Morrison's careful reading of 2 Samuel brings the reader face-to-face with David, whose multifaceted character eludes facile labels.

Author: Craig E. Morrison, OCarm

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814650431
Details: 344 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 11/12/2013

The last chapters of the book of Isaiah offer a vision of new hope at the dawn of the postexilic period. The dense and complex imagery of light, espousal, and victory gives expression to the joyful reality of a return to Jerusalem and to the as-yet-unrealized dreams of rebuilding and repopulating what has been laid to waste.

Trito-Isaiah's proclamation of God's salvation or victory appears both as a brilliant light and a terrible darkness in these chapters. For while Yahweh's triumph means rejoicing for his righteous servants, it portends unspeakable horror for those who rebel against him.

Far from a remotely related appendix tacked on to the prophetic text, Niskanen examines Isaiah 5666within the broader context of the entire book of Isaiah, revealing the stylistic and thematic connections between these and earlier chapters and the significance of the poetical structures and imagery employed in Isaiah 5666.

Author: Paul V. NiskanenChris Franke, Editor

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814650684
Details: 136 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/19/2014

Bible Basics for Catholics

John Bergsma"s popular Bible Basics for Catholics, which has sold more than 60,000 copies, offers readers an accessible vision of salvation history as it unfolds in the Bible, showing readers how the Bible points us to the saving life and work of Jesus. This new edition includes an additional chapter on covenant fulfillment in the Book of Revelation.

Bergsma brings to his theology a combination of academic expertise, pastoral wisdom, and unique playfulness. Bible Basics for Catholics is based on Bergsma"s popular Introduction to Theology course at Steubenville. As a teacher, Bergsma has an uncanny ability to make complex ideas understandable and faith-inspiring while staying true to both Catholic teaching and biblical scholarship. Readers will begin to see the Christian understanding of salvation by walking through the Old Testament, going through the great stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the great kings and prophets of Israel, and culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Author: John Bergsma

ISBN: 9781594712913

6" x 9" Paperback

224 pages

On-sale date: September 23, 2016

The student workbook contains 14 background features, each with related Bible passages, reflection questions, and a puzzle -- all focused on exploring the life of Jesus and his teachings.

Each of the 12 lessons in the teaching manual includes an overview, key scripture passages, related features in the Breakthrough! Bible, correlations between the life of Jesus and the life of young adolescents, and activities that familiarize them with stories from the Gospels and from Jesus himself.

You are invited here to explore the biblical springs of the Eucharist. Through this exploration, you will enrich your understanding of this sacrament and deepen your appreciation of the great gift it is.

Through texts from the Old Testament, the gospels, and New Testament letters, you will discover that the Eucharist unites the prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of our lives as an offering in union with Christ. Through meditation on these texts, you will learn to cultivate a Eucharistic life of prayer and active commitment in the world.

6 X 9" -- 144 pages

The exodus is the central event of the Old Testament, giving meaning to everything else we find in its pages. Part One of this study takes us through the first fifteen chapters of Exodus-from slavery to the call of Moses, from plagues to crossing the sea, from captivity to freedom in the Sinai. Discover that God hears those who are beaten down and liberates those who are in need of his justice. 5 lessons.

Author: Stephen J. Binz with Little Rock Scripture Study Staff

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814664520
Details: 80 pgs , 7 x 10 paperback 
Publication Date: 08/15/2019

Part Two of this study covers the final 25 chapters of Exodus. Beginning with the insecurity of the desert wanderings, to encountering God on Sinai and then constructing the tent of dwelling, God's people learn what it means to be part of a covenant with the one who liberates and also gives the Law to guide and direct them. 4 lessons.

Author: Stephen J. Binz with Little Rock Scripture Study Staff

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814664537
Details: 96 pgs , 7 x 10 paperback
Publication Date: 08/15/2019 

The Bible gives witness to the generously forgiving nature of God, and in turn, our call to exhibit the same generosity of spirit. Explore three biblical passages that will affirm God's mercy toward us and encourage the kind of forgiveness that will transform us and our relationships.

Author: Virginia Herbers, ASCJ

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814663998
Details: 40 pgs , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback
Publication Date: 10/15/2019

A study of the book of Genesis is an invitation not only to contemplate the creation story, but to remember with the Israelites  their ancestors in faith. Part One of this study covers Genesis 1:1 25:18 (the "pre-history" of Israel including the creation accounts, the stories of the fall and the great flood, as well as the story of Abraham and Sarah). Commentary, study, and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 5 sessions.

Author: Joan E. Cook

7"x10" 104 pages, paperback

Publication Date: 12/15/2018

A study of the book of Genesis moves the reader from the cosmic creation story to the story of the creation of God's people. Part Two of this study moves us forward from the time of Abraham to the unfolding of his family in the stories of Isaac and Jacob, as well as the story of Joseph and his brothers and their clans. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 5 sessions.

Author: Joan E. Cook

7"x10" 104 pages, paperback

Publication Date: 12/15/2018

A fiery preacher and humble servant to the coming kingdom of God, John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. Three gospel passages capture his message and its meaning and invite us to make way for Jesus in our hearts and in our world.

Author: Jerome Kodell, OSB

40 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 1/11/2017

Incarcerated numerous times "for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:16). Paul wrote several letters from the confines of prison. Letters of Philippians and Philemon in four sessions, explaining the reason each letter was written and addressing various themes such as joy, unity in Christ, reconciliation, and the close relationship between Paul and his communities.

Author: Vincent M Smiles with Little Rock Scripture Staff

ISBN: 978-08146-6455-1

Details: 104 pages 7" x 10" paperback

Publication Date: November 2019

Part two provides and in-depth investigation of Paul's letters to the Colossians and Ephesians, two letters with a great deal in common.  Besides being written from prison, both letters address Gentile communities learning to live faithful Christian lives. Exploring themes such as God's eternal plan, the unity of the church, and the fullness or life in Christ, these letters offer a sweeping and still relevant vision of faith in Christ and the church as his body.  (5 lessons)

Author: Vincent M Smiles with LittleRock Scripture Staff

ISBN: 978-0-8146-6454-4

Details: 104 pages 7" x 10" paperback

Publication Date: November 2019

Living for What Really Matters: 7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians ( Get Wisdom Bible Studies )
Author:  Teresa Swanstrom Anderson

The Get Wisdom Bible Studies help women connect with Scripture in an accessible and energizing way. Teresa Swanstrom Anderson guides with a winsome style that is rich in depth, but still approachable for newer readers of the Bible.

What do the gospels tell us about Mary Magdalene? She was a committed disciple of Jesus during his public ministry and at the cross. She was the first to encounter the Risen Lord on Easter morning. And she received his commission to be the apostle to the apostles. Through Dinah Chapman Simmons' reflections on these experiences, Mary Magdalene invites us into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Author: Dinah Chapman Simmons

40 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 10/15/2018

Few people have influenced Christian spirituality, theology, and history as profoundly as Mary, mother of Jesus. Explore three key events early in her life that set the course for her role in salvation history. Learn what it means to be favored by God.

Author: Catherine Upchurch

40 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 4/6/2016

Superheroes are all the rage and Moses has loomed large in Judeo-Christian storytelling. Not always the strong and courageous type, Moses first had to learn to hear God's voice and then to fill God's people with a new vision.

Author: Catherine Upchurch

42 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 10/19/2016

New Testament Basics for Catholics

Award-winning author and theology professor John Bergsma follows up his popular Bible Basics for Catholics which has sold more than 60,000 copies with a more in-depth look at the New Testament. Using simple illustrations and the same clear, conversational style that characterized his earlier book, Bergsma introduces four of the most important writers in the New Testament: Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John.

With humor and simple illustrations, theology professor John Bergsma focuses on Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John, whose writings comprise about 90 percent of the New Testament. The gospel of Matthew, written for Jewish Christians, illuminates the life and teachings of Christ as the long-promised Messiah. In Luke's gospel, readers will delve into the infancy and Triduum narratives, as well as the Acts of the Apostles and the life of the early Church. This leads the reader to discover St. Paul and his first and arguably greatest theological treatise: Romans. Finally, the beloved apostle St. John draws us in to the unsurpassed beauty of the fourth gospel, as well as the most mysterious book of the New Testament: the book of Revelation. A concluding chapter offers suggestions for further study.

Intended as an introductory work for those who are new to scripture study, New Testament Basics for Catholics does not aspire to be a comprehensive guide to all twenty-seven books of the New Testament, but is intended to lay the foundation for a lifetime of scripture reading.

Author: John Bergsma

ISBN: 9781594715822

5.5" x 8.5" Paperback

320 Pages

On-sale date: October 2, 2015

New Testament Introduction provides an approachable survey of the influential writings. 32 Pages. Size 6 1/2 x 9.

Old Testament Introduction outlines the history, literature, religion, and teachings of the Old Testament. 32 pages. Size 6 1/2 x 9.

Explore the sweeping saga of God's people and their sacred journey. Panorama of the Old Testament  surveys the variety of books found in the Old Testament. Uncover interwoven themes, the background of familiar characters and God's overall plan of salvation. A perfect way to begin a great adventure or step back and see where you have been in your study of the Bible. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 sessions.

Author: Stephen J. Binz

7"x10" 104 pages, paperback

Publication Date: 12/15/2018

The writings of St. Paul have provided teaching, insight, and guidance to Christians from the church's earliest days right up to our own. A missionary, theologian, and martyr, he was at all times a pastor to the early Christian communities scattered throughout the Roman Empire. By exploring three passages from his letters (1 Thess 1:2-10; 1 Cor 12:12-31; Gal 5:13-16) we will discover that God's people now still need his encouragement and instruction.

Author: John W. Martens

40 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 07/31/2018

Paul discovered his core identity in the crucified and resurrected Christ and spent his final years proclaiming the power of the cross. Explore three key passages from his letters that invite us to embrace the redemptive power of the cross in our lives.

Author: Ronald D. Witherup, PSS

40 pages , 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 paperback

Publication Date: 10/19/2016

Ponder: Contemplative Bible Study accompanies all hearers and preachers of the Word as they pray with and ponder the Sunday readings throughout the liturgical year. Everything needed for a rich experience of lectio divina and biblical exploration is provided: the full text of the Sunday readings, concise commentary, engaging reflections, and clear guidance on how to use this resource alone or with a group. 

Available to purchase separately by year or as a set!

In his third back-to-basics look at the Bible, popular theology professor and bestselling Catholic author and speaker John Bergsma highlights the presence of Jesus in the psalms and helps us understand their meaning in light of the story of salvation. Bergsma employs the same conversational style and simple illustrations found in Bible Basics for Catholics and New Testament Basics for Catholics to help bridge the gap between the world of contemporary Catholics and the ancient world of the Bible.

In Psalm Basics for Catholics, John Bergsma introduces us to King David, the story of Israel, and the salvation of the Jewish people through the coming of Jesus.

For more than two thousand years, Christians have sung, chanted, and prayed the psalms, a practice of worship inherited from our Jewish ancestors in faith. Whether prayed during Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, or in personal reflection, these ancient hymns continue to be a guiding light for Catholics. Yet rarely do we step back and look at how the psalms fit into the story of salvation revealed in the Bible the way Bergsma does here.

Author: John Bergsma

Format: Paperback

Pages: 160

Trim size: 5.x 8.inches

ISBN: 978-1-59471-793-2

On-sale date: March 16, 2018